Now Commenting On:

Resop touched by Clemente Award nomination

Resop touched by Clemente Award nomination

Chris Resop 96

By
/
|

PITTSBURGH -- Reliever Chris Resop, in recognition of his tireless efforts on behalf of cancer patients and children -- both in his home state, Florida, and in the Greater Pittsburgh area -- is the Pirates' nominee for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet.

Resop is touched to be the Pirates' representative for an honor that perpetuates Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing players who exhibit the same qualities.

"It means a lot," Resop said. "Obviously, I don't do it for recognition, it's just something I enjoy, giving back to the community and helping kids out whenever I can. I've been fortunate to live the life I've lived, and I have time to do it before I come to the field. I really cherish and enjoy it."

Resop works with such Florida organizations as the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and All Children's Hospital. His local efforts help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Greater Pennsylvania and Southern West Virginia, and the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Last winter, Chris and his wife, Kara, raised more than $10,000 for the All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. He also raised almost $12,000 for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation through the "Cut-For-A-Cure" event.

Wearing the same uniform as the award's inspiration makes the nomination even more meaningful for Resop than it may for the nominees of the other 29 clubs.

"Roberto is an icon here, probably the biggest in Pirates history," he said. "To now be recognized for an award named after him is an honor. ... But I'm nowhere near what kind of a guy he was, and some of the things he did for the community. But you try, and do the best you can."

The only Pirates player chosen for the Roberto Clemente Award in the 41 years it has been presented is Willie Stargell. Clemente's former teammate received the fourth annual award, in 1974.